EVESHAM United failed to close the gap at the top of the Dr Martens League Western Division when they lost 1-0 at home to leaders Bilston Town.

A 69th minute penalty from Scott Voice was enough to keep the visitors ahead of the pack.

But United have only themselves to blame for not winning the game, let alone not picking up at least a point.

They dominated for most parts and created more than enough chances to have had the game won by half-time. A combination of mediocre finishing and bad luck, however, proved to be their undoing against an ordinary but hard-working Bilston side.

United started with purpose. Matt-hew Boswell in the visitors' goal saved from Shaun Pratt and Mark Wolsey and Steve McCartan went close with two drives that flashed just wide.

Damien Beattie did well to hold onto a Voice snap-shot, but presented the same player with a great opportunity when he scuffed an attempted clearance straight at the feet of Voice.

Boswell made a terrific save early in the second-half, turning behind Steve Taylor's shot on the turn. Pratt headed Wolsey's corner too high and McCar-tan, after being put through by Pratt, shot wide with only Boswell to beat.

But against the run of play, Bilston took the lead. Danny Williams played a short corner to Jason Smith, whose cross struck the outstretched hand of Wolsey. Voice coolly sent Beattie the wrong way from the spot.

United introduced substitutes Dean Roberts and Joe Licata soon after, and Licata missed United's best chance of the game. Andy Smith crossed from the right and Licata somehow turned the ball over from only a yard out.

Earlier, Steve McCartan appeared to be fouled in the Bilston box, but penalty appeals were turned down by referee Mr Scarr.

With time running out, United were reduced to ten men when Wolsey was sent off for a second bookable offence. In injury-time, Bilston's Leon Jackson broke away and nearly added a second for the visitors but lobbed his shot over with only Beattie to beat.

Evesham: Beattie 7, Smith 7, Pendleton 6, West 7, Powell 7, Deakin 6, Wolsey 6, McCartan 7, Pratt 6 (Roberts 74), Taylor 7, Preedy 7, (Licata 74). Sub not used: Parmenter.

Attendance: 169.